Freddie Ljungberg has quit as first team assistant coach at Arsenal.

Ljungberg, currently assistant to Mikel Arteta, has been at Arsenal for the past two seasons after returning from Germany where he was the No. 2 at Wolfsburg.

Freddie has previously led the Gunners’ Under-15 and Under-23 squads.

Announcing his decision to quit, Ljungberg said: “I have decided to leave my first-team assistant coaching role at Arsenal to progress my management experience.

“I have been involved with this club on and off since 1998 and I am grateful for all the opportunities they have given me both as a player and as a coach.

“I wish Mikel and all the team every success for the season ahead. Thanks also to the fans for their constant support and for always being by my side. I hope we will all meet again soon.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: “Freddie has been a really important member of my team since my arrival.

“He did a great job picking the team up when Unai left and we all have 100 per cent respect for him as a man and a coach. I know I’ll be facing him on the touchline in the future.”

Technical director Edu also had some kind words for the Swede.

He said: “We’re really sad to see Freddie leave as we know how much he loves Arsenal.

“However, we know he has had various opportunities over the last 12 months and stuck to the job at Arsenal. Now he has the opportunity to consider other options, and it makes sense for his career at this time.

“Freddie has made a huge contribution in his coaching role, most importantly when he led the team during that difficult period between Unai’s departure and Mikel’s appointment.

“We will forever be grateful for what he did then and what he’s done since but fully recognise his desire to move on and be a head coach himself.”

source:- fcnaija